Hi All,

I hope everyone is doing well. School and work have been kicking my butt. Does anyone have any game recs for the switch?

Anyway, I liked this chapter, and I hope you do as well.

Let me know your thoughts!

Take care of yourselves.

Always and Forever,

Ari.

Warnings for all chapters: No minors, sexual situations, Mentions of death, funeral anxiety, parental arguing, silent treatment, bullying, emotional abuse, discussion of death, implied sexual relationships, unwanted touching, sexual assault, suicide attempt using a medication, suicidal ideation, manipulation, panic attack, abandonment, stress, abandonment.

Disclaimer: I only own my O.C.s and parts of the plot you do not recognize from the Twilight Saga.

Chapter 35: Protect the Family or Love the Monster

"I am there waiting, watching, keeping to the shadows. But when you need me, I'll step out of the shadows and protect what's mine." – Unknown.

"Sometimes family was the cruelest form of love there was, for no one could hurt you more than the people who created you." – SC Stephens.

6:45 A.M. Cemetary, La Push, Washington

I kneeled by the weatherworn stone, brushing away the fallen leaves. "Hi, Dad, it's been a while. Sorry, I haven't been by to visit." I set the fresh lilies down on the damp earth. I took out the towel I brought and cleaned the dust from his name. I cursed myself for not taking better care of him when I pulled the weeds out near him. I sat back, wiping my hands on the towel, "I'm sure you can see everything, but things have been good," I paused, twiddling with my fingers, "bearable with Gr-mom, I guess." I hesitated, struggling to say her name in front of him. I closed my eyes, felt the light swat on my arm, and saw his lips quirk down. "I know." I opened my eyes when I felt the nice breeze on my skin. "I miss you, and I wish we had more time." I gnawed on my lower lip, ignoring the stinging from my eyes. I blinked rapidly, brushing away the tears that fell; there was so much I wanted to tell him. "I met someone, Dad; his name is Paul Lahote, Miah Dullins and Bly Lahote's son, and I just know you'd love him." I grinned, pulling my jacket closer, "I'll bring him to meet you soon. He's been asking, but I wanted to tell you first so that you could prepare. When I bring him, you better have some nice weather like today. Promise you won't be mean and send rain." The breeze grew stronger, my hair whipped across my face, and I let out a small laugh. "I love him. I can't imagine life without him. John and Jay approve of him, too. He passed our induction with flying colors. Paul takes care of us, and we take care of him. He's so brave, Dad. Jay's been begging me to let him drive, and I can't stomach it. So, he's teaching Jay to drive, and it's been a while since I saw Jay truly happy." I patted the earth and closed my eyes, trying to hold onto the image of him. I could see him, his old blue Converse, torn painted blue jeans that saw better days, and a white paint-splattered shirt with a brown flannel, his glasses on the top of his head. His long dark hair was pulled back into a bun, and his wide grin and gapped teeth were displayed. "Happy Birthday, Dad. I thought we'd watch the sunrise together for your 43rd birthday. Jay mentioned he was coming later. I still think you were the odd one out of all of us with how early you would get up for the sunrise."

"Hi, Marie." My eyes shot open, and I jerked back, staring up at her dressed in comfy clothes with an old blanket in her arms. Her blonde hair was tied back in a messy bun, and her brown eyes were shiny. Warmth bloomed in my chest at the familiarity of her eyes. "Can I join you?" I glanced around her, wondering if her husband was going to join. "Mark isn't coming." I pursed my lips, nodding quickly, turning back to the grave. I pulled my jacket closer, trying to shove down the influx of emotions, and I set my hand back on the earth, silently asking for strength. She sat on the opposite side of the grave, pulling the blanket over her shoulders, her fingers brushing against the stone, "Hi Danny, Happy Birthday." I stared at the sky, waiting for the sun to warmly greet us. "Make sure you use a lot of pretty colors when you paint this evening." Her fingers left the stone, her hand settling beside mine. "Jay still sleeping?" I nodded, watching the sky bloom with color, and her hand moved, covering mine.

I sniffed, blinking away the onslaught of tears, taking in the warmth from the sun and her palm. No words were exchanged, and I glanced at her, seeing the tears falling. I dug in my pocket, pulled out a package of tissues, and offered them to her. She took it, wiping her face.

7:38 A.M. Cemetary, La Push, Washington

" I love you, Dad." I patted the earth, fixing the flowers, before standing. Grace stared at me before moving to stand. She pulled the blanket closer to her, "take care."

"Do you want to go to CiCi's with me?" Her hand shot out, holding my upper arm. I stared at her long nails digging into my arm, and she let go abruptly. "For breakfast, just you and I?"

"I don't think it's a good idea... I don't want to argue," I murmured, feeling my phone buzz in my pocket. "Not today." I pulled out my phone and saw Paul's text asking if I was ready.

"What if we stop when we get to a topic that is uncomfortable for us. I don't want to argue with you either. I miss you, Marie. I just don't want to say bye yet," She stepped closer, and I was hesitant. "Please," Her voice was soothing, and I felt myself giving in.

"I didn't bring my car," I murmured, fiddling with my phone.

Her face lit up, "I brought the rental. I'll drive." Her grin was bright, and she tentatively linked her arm with mine, pulling me out of the cemetery and towards the black Ford Explorer. She opened the passenger door for me like she was afraid that I was going to go back on my word. I got in, and she set the blanket on my lap before she closed the door, heading to the other side. I texted Paul, letting him know that I was going to breakfast with her and that he didn't need to pick me up. "Everything okay," Grace asked, turning on the vehicle. She kicked on the heater, "seatbelt."

I moved, clicking the seatbelt in place. "Yeah, everything is okay." She pulled out of the cemetery, turning down her audiobook. My phone buzzed in my hand, and Grace glanced at it. I clicked the red button, texting him that I couldn't talk. "You can listen to your audiobook."

"No, it's fine. So tell me about-" Grace hesitated, tapping her nails against the wheel, "whatever you think is a safe topic."

"John told me he is coming back home. He seems excited to come back," I murmured, fiddling with my phone. "Jay's excited because he has it in his mind they are going to share rooms again."

"My little novelist and my little bean sharing a room again... That would be horrible," Grace grinned, turning onto the 110. "Perhaps if the tape is put down, splitting the room again, it will be okay."

I snorted, tapping my nails against my phone case. "I doubt it." Grace laughed, continuing to tap on the steering wheel. I gnawed on my lower lip when the conversation died. "I guess he should be home in a few weeks."

"That's good," Grace murmured, turning up the heat in the vehicle. "Are you excited for him to come home?"

"Yeah, it's nice; I didn't realize how much I would miss him when he left," I said, glancing at her quickly before staring back out the windshield. Her hands stopped tapping on the steering wheel, and she looked at me. "Watch the road, please."

Her attention snapped back to the road, and the vehicle swerved outside the lines. I pressed my feet against the floor, "sorry, Marie." I nodded, trying to relax back into the seat. She opened her mouth, and her phone went off. She glanced at it, cursing under her breath. "I have to take this." I nodded, and she hit the accept button, and her assistant immediately started in on what she was missing. I ignored the conversation, turning my phone and seeing a few missed text messages from Paul.

Lover: wow sweetheart. that's good... right?

Lover: i love you. everything is going to work out the way it is supposed too.

Lover: let me know if you need anything.

Lover: do you want me to wait in forks just in case?

I clicked on the message, trying to smother my grin at his messages.

Laryssa: I love you too. I think it's good. I'm a little nervous, but I'll be okay, stay home. Want me to bring some food?

His text was immediate.

Lover: its normal to be nervous. i know you got this. take a deep breath when you feel worried or pissed.

Lover: no babe. ill feed the gremlin when he wakes up. :P

Laryssa: Such a good lover ;)

Laryssa: Talk to you when I get back home.

Lover: ;) see you soon sweetheart

I flinched, hearing Grace start yelling about people stealing from her. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to shut her out. I held onto the thought that everything was going to work itself out.

8:15 A.M. Cici's Diner, Forks, Washington

I curled my hand against the warm mug of hot chocolate, glancing at Grace still yelling in the car. I caught her eye, and she held up her finger. Clicking my tongue, I looked away from her, avoiding the gazes of the other patrons.

"Hi, Sweetie." My blood ran cold, and I glanced to my left, seeing the blue-eyed man. "This seat taken?" He didn't bother to wait for my reply and settled himself across from me in the booth. Norris took off his jacket, setting it beside him. He took a deep breath with a wide grin; his eyes never strayed from mine. "You look as beautiful as ever."

I felt bile rise and tried to shove away the curl of fear in my belly. I was done being afraid of Norris. "You look as repulsive as ever." His eyes darkened, and I moved quickly, trying to collect my phone from the table, but he moved faster, pressing his hand against mine, his nails digging into my skin. His grip tightened over my hand, and his foot knocked against my ankle. I tried to pull my hand back and shift away from his touch, but he held tight, "Let me go."

Norris grinned, his black glasses slipping on the bridge of his nose. "I don't think I will... this is what will happen. You and I are going to get up, and we are going to leave. Unless you want your little boyfriend thrown in jail for harassment." His pointer finger started to stroke the top of my wrist, "we are going to have a lot of-"

"Get your filthy hand off me," I leaned closer to him, holding my mug and getting ready to toss it at him. I hoped the hot liquid would burn him. "You think your little threats will work? Remove your hand. "

His face bloomed red, "I have friends on the force; what makes you think that you will-"

"Norris, why do you have your hand on my daughter," Grace asked, standing at the front of the table. "Kindly remove it," His hand slipped from mine, and he stared at Grace. "Baby girl, go get in the car." I stared at her, and she pressed her hand to my shoulder before setting the keys on the table. I grabbed the keys quickly, getting out of the booth.

I passed the waitress, pulling out a small bill and setting it in her hand, rushing outside. I unlocked the vehicle, got in and watched them from the window. Grace sat down, and his eyes trailed over her. She crossed her arms, and he grinned at her, leaning closer. The waitress stopped in front of the table and set down menus. Grace leaned away from him, grabbed the menu from the table, and pointed to something. Norris said something to the waitress, and she grinned at him, writing something down on his pad. Grace grinned at him, her body relaxing.

The driver's door opened, and I watched Mark get in. Dread filled my stomach, and he held his hands up, trying to appear like he wasn't a threat. "Your Ma asked me to come."

"Why," My voice wasn't as strong as earlier. I stared at the scene, hurt blooming in my chest. The grin that stretched on Grace's face was sickening, and for a moment, I thought we could move past it until I saw her place her hand over his.

He glanced out the windshield, staring at them laughing, his lips pursed. "Grace asked me to take you home. Good thing I was in the area. Let's get you away from here."

"She's staying here with him," disbelief coating my tone. Grasping my phone, clicked on Paul's name and dialed his number. Mark nodded, turning on the car. I felt my stomach sink, and I held my phone up to my ear. "I don't need a ride. Thanks."

"Everything okay, Laryssa?" The phone clicked over, and I felt my throat burn at how soothing Paul's voice was. "Sweetheart?"

I took a deep breath and opened the door, ignoring Mark's comments about taking the umbrella. "Paul, can you get me at Coffee House?"

"I'll be there soon. Stay on the phone with me," Paul murmured, and I tugged my hood up, trying to shield myself from the light rain. I could hear his truck roar to life, and I silently cursed myself for putting myself in this mess. "Where are you at, baby?" Footsteps sounded behind me, and I walked faster, only for an umbrella to be held over my head. Mark fell into step with me, holding the umbrella over my head while keeping a good distance, his shoulder getting wet. "Laryssa, talk to me, please," Paul's urgency pulled me from my thoughts.

"I am a few minutes from the Coffee House. Mark is walking with me," I answered, hearing Paul's deep breathing. "He was going to drive me home, but I don't trust him. I'm okay; please drive safe."

"Don't hang up on me," Paul said, and I could hear his curses in the background at the slow drivers.

"I'm not going to," I promised, glancing at Mark. He stared straight ahead, whistling lowly. "You don't have to walk with me. I can manage by myself."

"I know ya can. I just want to ensure ya get there safely and no one bothers ya until your boyfriend arrives. I promise I won't talk, and I'll even sit at a different table." Mark promised, pulling his coat closer and continuing to look ahead, "Just pretend I'm not here."

"I can hear him. If you don't feel safe, run to the Hospital. Sue should be working today. Fifteen minutes away, sweetheart." Paul said, frustration still coating his tone. I could see the Coffee House coming into view.

"Okay. We are almost there," I added, walking faster, almost jogging to the building, and Mark kept pace with me. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left with her. I messed up." Guilt was starting to burn in my chest, and if I never went with her, none of this would've happened. I could feel Norris's hands on mine, and the bile was back, and my skin was crawling. I pressed my hand to my stomach to soothe myself so I didn't hurl on the pavement.

"Don't apologize," Paul's voice was soft. "It's okay, Laryssa. I'm almost there. I don't know what's happening, but whatever it is, hang in there for me, okay? Take some deep breaths for me." I stopped on the sidewalk, taking a deep breath and holding it before letting it out. I repeated it several times, and I brushed the tears away. "You are doing great, Laryssa; whatever happened, I've got you, sweetheart." I started walking again, and Mark followed, glancing at me from the corner of his eye.

"Walking into the shop," I pulled on the door, hearing the familiar chime. The barista grinned wildly, welcoming us in. Mark left the umbrella on the stand, moving to one of the tables. He settled in, pulling out his phone and tapping on it quickly. "Do you want something?"

"No, baby. I'm almost there." His voice was soft, and I moved to the counter. "Get yourself something warm to drink."

"Can I get two hot chocolates, both in to-go cups?" The barista nodded, and I passed over the money, "keep the change." She got to work on the hot chocolate, and I focused on Paul's breathing before it abruptly cut off. I stared at the words call failed. I pocketed the phone, knowing he was in a dead zone. "Be right back." I rushed to the restroom, washing my hands repeatedly, trying to scrub him off my hand. I stopped once my hand burned from the sensitivity. I quickly dried it off, and I went back out. Mark sat at the same table, and the two cups were on the counter. I moved to pick up both cups, focusing on the warmth in my hands. I walked to where Mark sat, and he looked away from his phone as I set the cup on the table. "It's hot chocolate."

"Thanks," He smiled, reaching for the cup. Mark gestured to the other empty chair, and I pulled out my phone, setting it on the table before I sat down. I stared out the window, "It's my favorite warm drink."

"Mine too," I whispered, waiting to see Paul's blue truck. Mark set his phone on the table. "My dad would make it when I was sad or upset," I offered the memory. "Did Grace tell you what we discussed that day I returned home?"

Mark took a loud sip of his drink, cursing under his breath when he burned his lip. "No. Did it have to deal with that man?"

"Yeah. Norris is a disgusting man," I whispered, scrubbing my hand and trying to force away the feeling. Mark tsked, tapping his foot against the floor. "I guess no matter what I say to her, it won't matter." My heart dropped when I thought of her smile and how she relaxed in the booth.

"It does," He stated, his tapping stopped abruptly. "It may not matter to one person, but it will always matter, sweetie."

I flinched at the term, and I felt dirty. "Don't call me that," I snapped, glaring at Mark, trying to shove the ghost's hands off. Mark balked, and I couldn't find it in me to feel bad about snapping at him. "I hate that word." I sniffed, looking down at my hands.

"I'm sorry, Laryssa," Mark said, and my phone started buzzing on the table. "You should get it."

I stared at Paul's goofy face on my screen, grabbing it, clicking the green button, and holding it to my ear. I could feel Mark's eyes on me, "You okay, sweetheart, I am almost there. Fucking service cut out."

"I'm alright," I murmured, focusing on his voice. I glanced out the window, seeing his blue truck stopping outside the shop. I hung up, abruptly getting up and rushing out the door. I flung myself into his open arms, pressing myself to him. His warmth enveloped me, and he whispered soothing reassurances in my hair. I matched my breathing with him before pulling back. His warm hands cupped my face, and I gripped his sides, clutching the ribbed black tank top.

He wore a frown, and his brown eyes were searching. Paul's thumbs brushed my cheeks, and the warmth of each swipe felt like strength. "C'mon, let's go home."

I stepped back, glancing at the window behind me. I met Mark's eyes, "thank you," I inclined my head lightly, letting Paul lead me to his truck. I got in, waiting for him to get in the driver's seat. He jogged around, getting in, holding his hand out to me, beckoning me to squish into his side. I moved to the middle, resting my head on his shoulder. Paul drove slower, and his hand rested on my thigh. "She is blind when it comes to Norris," I murmured, and his hand flinched. "He tried to corner me at CiCi's; all she said was for him to remove his hand, and she sent me to the car, then she sat down and had breakfast with him."

"Remove his hand from where," Paul brought his truck to a stop, and I glanced up at him. "Where did he touch you?"

"My hand, he stopped me from trying to get to my phone," I rubbed his arm, trying to soothe his anger. "He threatened you. I'm sorry, I just froze," Paul started driving again; his teeth were clenched, causing the vein to pop out.

"Laryssa, I know this will make me sound like a dick, but I don't want to hear; I'm sorry and that asshole in the same sentence. You have nothing to be sorry about, and I'm tired of you blaming yourself," He sighed, holding me tighter. "I wish it went better with your mom."

"You don't sound like one," I said, tracing my fingers against his arm. "I wish it did, at least now; I finally know where I stand." I closed my eyes so I didn't have to see CiCi's as we passed it. "I don't want to tell Jay."

"Then we won't," Paul said, squeezing my side. I basked in Paul's warmth, trying to shove away the events of being with Grace and Norris. "I am so fucking upset that we can't do anything. I hate that you are going through this. What I am doing doesn't feel like it's enough."

"It is enough for me, with you standing with me. It's all I need and want," I reassured, squeezing Paul's thigh. Everything he has done has been more than enough. "I'm not scared of Norris. At least not fully; I'm mostly disgusted. I feel like I need twenty showers." I opened my eyes, staring at the rain starting to pound against the windshield. "I'm upset that Grace chose him again. We had a decent morning, and I was hopeful, but then I saw her laughing with him." My eyes burned, and I blinked rapidly, trying to clear them. "I know where I stand with her, and I'm done..." I wiped my eyes, "I just want to go home and nap. I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"Okay," Paul's arm tightened, and I closed my eyes again, listening to the rain and the cars.

9:40 A.M. Lahote House, La Push, Washington

Paul brought the truck to a stop, glancing down at Laryssa, slumped against him. He sighed, turned the key, and got out, trying not to disturb her. Once out, he gathered her in his arms, shut the door, and walked up the steps. The front door opened, and Jay wiped his eyes, staring at his sister. "Today is always hard for her, ever since pops passed." Paul nodded, walking into the house, towards their room, listening to Jay trail after him. Paul moved, putting her on the bed. "I don't think I want to go today," Jay whispered, pulling the blanket from the floor.

"You don't have to if you don't want to," Paul murmured, helping Jay cover her. Once she was covered, Jay sat on the bed beside her. Paul squatted before him, noticing his damp eyes. He wondered how many times he shoved aside his feelings for others. "It's a hard day for you too." Jay nodded, blinking rapidly to clear his eyes. Paul moved, sitting beside him, wrapping his arm around him slowly, giving him time to pull away if he didn't want the hug. Jay sagged into his arms, and Paul squeezed him tighter. "Don't push your feelings down." Jay grasped him tightly, his whimpers barely disturbing the room's quietness. Paul rubbed his back, resting his cheek on Jay's head, holding him.

Jay pulled away, and Paul let him go, brushing his hand against his wet cheeks. "I'm going to nap with her unless you want to lay down?" Jay struggled to meet Paul's eyes and his hands buried in his long sleeve.

"Get some sleep," Paul mused his hair, gently pulling him up. He led him to the other side, tucking him in. Paul was getting ready to stand, but Jay held fast, ducking his chin under the blankets. "I'll stay until you fall asleep," Paul murmured. Jay turned to face Laryssa, and Paul lightly patted his back. Paul tried to recall the tune Laryssa would hum. It didn't take long for Jay to fall asleep. Paul sighed, hearing tires meeting gravel. He stood, quietly making his way out of the room, shutting the door with a quiet click and headed to the porch.

He watched the black vehicle come to a stop, and her mom got out of the car, followed by Norris. Paul felt his low, simmering anger flash into full-blown anger. Her mom sent him a shy smile as she walked towards the steps, and Paul blocked her path, "leave." She stopped short from the steps, and Norris put his hand on her lower back, stepping beside her. "You are not welcome here." Paul tried to rein in his fury, "Both of you aren't. Now leave."

"You cannot keep me from my children," Grace whispered, stepping closer, and Paul glared at her, walking down the steps, causing her to step back. "You have no right." Paul rolled his eyes, tilting his head towards the house, listening to his family sleeping peacefully. He would keep them safe. "We just want to clear -"

"I don't give a fuck what you both want. You are a really sick lady," Paul growled, feeling the tembles start. "It put its hands on your daughter, and you still keep it around. How can you sleep at night," Paul wanted to punch the smirking monster in the face, yet he knew the damage he could cause. Grace flinched, glancing at Norris. "There is nothing to clear. I will protect my family, unlike you. So you can either leave or things will get messy."

"How da-" Norris growled, stepping towards him.

Paul grabbed his jacket, hauling him closer to him, and Norris' eyes flashed in fear. Norris wiggled, trying to free himself, but Paul held fast. Grace tried to yank on his coat to pull him out of Paul's grip. "I told you if you came around my family, you will regret it." Norris struggled, and Paul lifted him a few inches off the ground, watching his legs dangle. "You've hurt my family multiple times, and I can't let that slide."

"Let him down, please," Grace pleaded, pulling on his arms. "She lied... He wouldn't do that."

Paul shook her off, scoffing, "Do you really love it more than your daughter?" Her fingers came back, clawing his arms. "You are pathetic. She didn't lie. A week... A fucking week after her father died, her true protector and this monster groped her body. She was mourning her father, and she was violated. Then she tried to end her life, and you still dare to say she is lying. Today, you saw his hand on hers, and you still refused to piece it together," He felt her nails draw blood, and his eyes burned for Laryssa. Norris continued to squirm in his grip, and Paul snarled at him, shoving him back as hard as he could. Norris flew a few feet, Grace crying after him.

"What did you say," The words were quiet; he almost missed them, and the anger diminished. Slowly, he turned, seeing Jay standing at the top of the porch, his eyes wide. He hadn't heard Jay wake up. Paul watched his expression change to pure fury, and Jay darted down the steps. Paul caught him before he could lunge at the man. "LET ME GO! I WILL KILL YOU." Jay kicked at him, slamming his fists against Paul's ironclad grip, and he glared at them both. "PAUL! LET ME GO! I HAVE TO... I..." Jay cut himself off, screaming, sagging in Paul's arms. Paul brought him to his chest, trying to soothe him. Jay started breathing hard, and Paul squeezed him tighter, "I failed her." Norris got to his knees, reaching Grace.

"Bean," Grace murmured softly, crawling on her hands and knees towards him, ignoring Norris. "Jayden."

"STAY AWAY FROM ME," He shouted, kicking at her, trying to get out of Paul's grip again. "I HATE YOU. HOW COULD YOU?" Grace shifted back, avoiding his legs, staring at him with tears falling. Norris crawled to her, pulling her into an embrace.

Jay tossed his head back, and Paul shifted so that he hit his shoulder. "Little one, breathe." Jay continued to struggle, ignoring the soothing, and Paul looked at the two, "Leave." His voice carried over Jay's screaming.

"Jay," Laryssa's voice broke through the chaos, and she looked at Jay, yelling expletives at Grace and Norris. She hurried down the stairs, putting her hands on Jay's cheeks, and he ignored her, yelling at Grace and Norris.

"Marie, tell Bean you lied about Norris," Grace snarled, keeping her gaze on Jay. "Tell him to stop this."

Laryssa flinched, continuing to focus on Jay. "Breathe... focus on me."

"I failed," Jay screamed at her, and Laryssa closed her eyes. Jay started whimpering and trembling in his arms.

She took a deep breath, her eyes opened, and Paul saw the hard look in her eyes, "You did no such thing." He started to rock Jay when he went limp, trying to help him work through his whimpers. "Take him inside; I will deal with this." Paul felt the panic rise; he couldn't leave her with them, and Jay restarted his struggle in his arms. She stood, staring back at Norris and Grace wrapped in an embrace. "I was not lying then, and I will not lie now, Grace. This must be a gift from Dad. Interestingly enough, I just got off the phone with Billy, and he told me that Chief Swann is on the reservation now, looking for us. He will be here within a few minutes. I will be filing an official report for harassment toward Norris, which I am sure will stick, regardless of your friends on the force. He would also like to speak with Grace about leaving minors for months," Laryssa finished, staring at the two of them, not daring to back down at the furious looks. Norris stood abruptly, yanking Grace towards the car, "You know, Norris, guilty people don't run," Laryssa called, watching him falter, pushing Grace towards the vehicle. Norris shook himself from his daze and shoved her in the vehicle before getting in the driver's seat and backing out of the driveway. Once the vehicle was out of sight, her shoulders slumped, and she turned back to them. Jay was on the verge of hyperventilating, and Paul wanted to go after them and crush them.

Laryssa moved towards them, kneeling before Jay, and he reached for her. Paul let him go, and Jay scrambled into her outstretched arms. She tucked him into her embrace, holding her arm out to Paul. Paul moved, and she brought him closer to them, and he wrapped his arms around them both. Jay tangled his fingers in her shirt and Paul's tank top. She started humming, in a soothing tone, rocking him gently, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Laryssa didn't falter, "I couldn't. I still can't." Jay sniffed, curling closer, and Paul saw how young he looked. "You did not fail me, Jay. Grace and Norris are in the wrong; do not take the blame when it is not yours."

Jay twitched when the rain started again. Paul shifted, trying to shield them, "Let's go inside and wait for Chief Swann."

Laryssa hesitated, trying to ease Jay, but he couldn't move. Paul helped them both up, ushering them up the steps and inside. Laryssa pulled Jay to the couch, letting him curl into her side. She ran her fingers through his hair, and he closed his eyes, gripping her clothing tightly, his breathing slowing. Laryssa watched Paul as he sat on the other side of Jay, moving his feet into his lap. Laryssa reached towards him, and he took her hand, pressing his cheek into it. "You okay," She mouthed, stroking his cheek. He closed his eyes, nodding, relishing in her touch.

He opened his eyes, staring at her blank expression. "You okay?" Laryssa glanced at Jay, pausing as she ran her fingers across his cheek. She sighed, looking back at him. She waited for a moment before she nodded, "I'm proud of you." He kissed her hand and moved closer, tucking her hair behind her ear and cupping her cheek. She closed her eyes, nuzzling into his hand, letting her cheek rest in his palm.

"Thank you for protecting our family," Laryssa pulled away, taking his hand into hers. She held Jay tighter, "it's going to be hard."

"We can get through it," Paul assured, squeezing her hand, "right?"

"Of course," Laryssa agreed, sending him a small smile.